An Epitaph On The Marchioness Of Winchester

by John Milton — a poem card from Justes Mots

Milton's elegy mourns the Marchioness of Winchester, who died in childbirth at age 23, robbing the world of her virtue and promise. The poem uses classical and biblical allusions (Atropos, Lucina, Rachel) to elevate her suffering into mythic significance while consoling readers with visions of her ascent to heavenly reward. It provides dignified, richly literary solace for grief over premature death and loss.

This rich Marble doth enterr
The honour'd Wife of Winchester,
A Vicounts daughter, an Earls heir,
Besides what her vertues fair
Added to her noble birth,
More then she could own from Earth.
Summers three times eight save one
She had told, alas too soon,…

Themes: sympathy · grief · reflection